The Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) at NMSU organized a 5K Color Fun Run to promote community engagement by NMSU students and the greater Las Cruces community, held on September 9. This event was an opportunity for runners to get splashed with color powder while helping support the annual Tents to Rents Campaign. Nicole Martinez, the Executive Director of the Mesilla Valley Community Hope said “we are grateful to NMSU, the Office of Experiential Learning, and the participants who made the 5k Color Fun Run an overwhelming success. The proceeds will support the Tents to Rents campaign which raises funds to operate Camp Hope and keep people experiencing homelessness safe and close to services and access to housing.”

Organizing the first ever color run was a team effort, led by NMSU staff Alice Delgado and Trish Leyba from the Office of Experiential Learning and Student Engagement. Delgado and Leyba were able to mobilize 47 volunteers (36 were NMSU Students) for the day of the race, including students from the Pre-Dental Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, as well as members of the Las Cruces community and OEL staff.

All of the costs of staging the run were supported by community sponsors and vendors including the Office of Experiential Learning, NMSU Foundation, Gym Magic, Little Steps Pediatrics, Adams Radio, and Pathology Consultants of NM. The 230 runners set off at 8:00 a.m. and the first runner crossed the finish line after only 18 minutes. The event raised more than $4400 to support Camp Hope.

At the finish line runners were greeted by music and a DJ, and fun. Participants loved the event, Alice Delgado said “runners told me they’ve always wanted to do a 5K Color Run, that NMSU was the best location for 5Ks, and to count them in for the next one.” Trish Leyba, Director of the OEL said “The Office of Experiential Learning Community Engagement and Outreach really appreciates what the Community of Hope is doing for those in our community who need help.  We are thankful to all community partners who allowed us to market the event in their establishments, which contributed to its success, specifically Crunch Fitness, Sports Accessories, and Stay Fit Fitness.” The day was a resounding success, and may become an annual event, showing the benefit of joint efforts between the students, the campus, and the community.

Good News Sent on Behalf of Trish Leyba and Alice Delgado